A lighthearted yet intense exchange between India’s captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli has taken social media by storm. The moment unfolded as Ravindra Jadeja stepped in to bat with just six runs needed for India to seal a spot in the Champions Trophy final.
Despite the low target and ample deliveries left, the tension among Indian fans remained high, and the dressing room atmosphere mirrored that sentiment. A recently shared BCCI video captured the moment, showing Kohli appearing composed while Rohit seemed visibly anxious as KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya were at the crease. Once Pandya got out and Jadeja entered, Kohli quipped, “Maarne to chhakka hi ja raha hai woh.”
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Although Kohli did not finish the chase himself, his well-crafted 84-run innings was pivotal in guiding India to their fifth Champions Trophy final. India secured a four-wicket win over Australia in a clinical run chase.
With this victory, the Champions Trophy final, originally scheduled to take place in Lahore, will now be held in Dubai. Security concerns have prevented Rohit Sharma’s team from traveling to Pakistan.
Kohli, named Player of the Match, anchored India’s batting effort as they chased down 265 in the second-last over. Earlier, Australia’s innings was powered by skipper Steve Smith and Alex Carey, who helped them reach 264.
India now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand, set to be played in Lahore on Wednesday.
Kohli received strong support from Shreyas Iyer, with whom he forged a crucial 91-run stand for the third wicket, stabilizing India’s innings after the quick dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Although Australia was missing some key players, India had not defeated them in an ICC knockout match since their 2011 World Cup quarterfinal clash. In contrast, Australia had emerged victorious in major ICC knockout encounters, including the 2015 World Cup semifinal, the 2023 World Test Championship final, and the ODI World Cup final later that year.
